Over increasing fuel and vehicle operating costs, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has distanced itself from the sit-down strike warning made by the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA).
History Samuel Amoah, Deputy Public Relations Officer for the GPRTU, spoke on Newsfeed on Thursday, September 17, acknowledging the rising cost of running vehicles but rejecting the use of a strike as a means of resolving the issue.
“Our anxieties are shared. The price of fuel, lubricants, insurance, DVLA levies, and everything else has increased. For this reason, we are suggesting a 30% increase.” He expressed optimism that the government would react favorably to their suggested 30% fare increase, stating that negotiations are still the best way to handle the challenges facing commercial transport operators.
“However, we do not favor the idea of a sit-down strike. We believe that this will not improve the situation. Negotiation is still taking place.” His remarks came after the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) warned that starting on September 21, 2026, it would indefinitely pull its cars off the streets due to increasing car maintenance expenses, particularly increases in the cost of spare parts and other operating supplies.
The GPRTU and the Ministry of Transport have also established a committee to perform a final analysis of the different cost elements before agreeing on a new fare adjustment. The applicable percentage increase will be determined by stakeholders after the committee’s report is submitted by the end of Thursday or Friday, according to Mr Amoah.
Increases of 9.63% for petrol, 6.97% for diesel, and 3.22% for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have been predicted by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). As a result, a liter of petrol could cost around GH¢17.23, and a liter of diesel could cost GH¢18.35.
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